Bogota officials remember former Police Chief Henry Smith

Henry Smith, former Police Chief of Bogota, poses for a picture in 1987. Smith died on July 7 at the age of 88.

He is remembered by borough officials as a dedicated member of the Bogota Police Department and to volunteering his time to the area's emergency services.

"He was what Bogota was all about," said Council President and Bogota OEM coordinator Tito Jackson. "He gave everything and he did his all. That is who he was."

Smith joined the Bogota Police Department in 1950 after serving in the United States Navy during World War II. He enlisted at the age of 17 and saw combat in the Mediterranean Theatre off the coast of Italy.

He was set to retire as a captain in 1982, but then-Police Chief Anthony Yocovelli died suddenly of a heart attack and the borough turned to Smith to take over the job and postpone his retirement. He obliged and served as chief until 1988 when he officially retired. It was indicative of the dedication he had to his job.

Former Borough Council member and retired Bogota Police Officer Michael Brophy also remembered him as a man that took a lot of pride in his job. He noted that he would walk to work every day was always punctual. Smith also wore his uniform every single day.

"He was always a hands-on guy, he knew everything that was going on," said Brophy. "It wouldn't be unusual for him to show up at a time when you wouldn't expect him to be there. He always liked to be involved in everything. You were never really surprised if you turned around and he was there behind you."

Borough Administrator Chip Greiner, who was hired as a patrolman in 1977, worked under Smith during some of his time on the force. Greiner described him as a great boss and police officer.

"He was very strict about what he wanted done," said Greiner. "He was a no-nonsense guy, but he was also very fair."

Greiner also told a humorous story related to one of his favorite hobbies: Smith had a desk job when he was promoted to captain and had brought in a model ship to build at his desk during down time. One night during a midnight tour, Greiner received a call over the radio from Smith asking if he had any model glue at home. Greiner brought the glue into his captain's office and turned back around to leave when Smith asked him where he was going. Greiner replied that he was heading back out on the road. However, Smith informed him that he would not be leaving right away and would have to place his thumb on the ship to hold it in place while he cemented it.

"Smitty," as he was known to many, also spent his time as a volunteer in the Englewood Hospital Emergency Department for 20 years. Jackson, who drove patients to Englewood Hospital would often see him there helping out.

"There are not enough good things I can say about him," said Jackson. "He was a really good guy and a solid man."